Published on North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (http://naturalsciences.org)

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Pinxter Azaleas [1]

Rhododendron periclymenoides

We have recently made a delightful discovery at Prairie Ridge. Two Pinxter Azaleas Rhododendron periclymenoides have been found growing on the stream bank along Prairie Ridge's southern border.

The blooms of a Pinxter Azalea can be seen from behind a nearby tree [2]        The distinctive pink flowers have long stamens and pistols [3]        The flowers are adapted for pollination by large insects [4]

Pinxter Azaleas are significant not only for their aesthetic beauty but also because they're native to this region. The pink flowers bloom in April before their leaves appear. These flowers are most likely pollinated by large butterflies, moths, bees, and possibly hummingbirds.

During your next visit to Prairie Ridge be sure to look for this blooming beauty before the flowers disappear.

Find out more about the natural happenings at Prairie Ridge at our What Time is it in Nature Archive [5].

 

Source URL: http://naturalsciences.org/prairie-ridge-ecostation/what-time-is-it-in-nature/archive/pinxter-azaleas

Links:
[1] http://naturalsciences.org/prairie-ridge-ecostation/what-time-is-it-in-nature/archive/pinxter-azaleas
[2] http://naturalsciences.org/files/pinxter.jpg
[3] http://naturalsciences.org/files/pinxter3.jpg
[4] http://naturalsciences.org/files/pinxter2.jpg
[5] http://naturalsciences.org/prairie-ridge-ecostation/what-time-is-it-in-nature/archive